Meet the Maker: Spark & Thistle Handcrafted Jewelry
Meet this week's maker, Katy from Spark & Thistle! With a broad background ranging from dance and kinesiology to nutrition and environmental studies, Katy's main passion lies in creating beautiful jewelry and everything that comes with it—including being able to stay home with her kids!
Carry on reading to learn more about Spark & Thistle!
What kind of products do you sell?
Handmade, semi-precious gemstone, crystal and brass jewelry.
How did you get started?
In 2012 I had just completed 8 years of post-secondary and was unsure what to do with myself. I’ve always been into crafting, and living downtown Toronto in the textile and bead district at the time, I went to pick up some jewelry supplies from a local shop to make necklaces for friends and family for Christmas. A family member used to go shooting at the range and brought me with them. After some rounds were shot, I noticed all of the brass bullet casings on the floor and collected some. I carefully cleaned, drilled them and found crystal specimens that fit perfectly into the bullet casings, turning them into up-cycled and unique “Love Not War” pendant necklaces. Soon friends of friends were ordering them, and I decided to take the leap and open an Etsy shop. They were my best-seller for years and so much fun to make!
Why are you a maker?
I’m in my element when I’m creating. Anytime I take a break from doing something crafty or creative for a period of time, I feel disconnected and a great yearning to make something. I live to create, connect with customers and other makers and work from home, so I can also stay home with my kids. I am blessed!
What inspires you?
Nature, art and landscapes.
What is your favourite product that you sell?
That’s a difficult question! I love my statement earrings with botanical stamps.
What is your favourite product that another maker sells?
My favourite product is probably my 'Paddle Your Own Canoe' sweater by Canoe & Lake. It’s gorgeous, soft, a beautiful colour and designed by a lovely local mama with an inspiring message.
What is your most popular product?
My hammered brass ‘Mama’ line of necklaces. My favourite is the ‘Mama Bird’.
What's one fun fact that someone might not know about you?
I love to cook! I had started to write a raw/vegan/vegetarian cookbook years ago (I’ve been vegetarian for 17 years). I might finish and publish that book one day!
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @sparkandthistle
Facebook: Spark & Thistle
Website: www.sparkandthistle.com
